Kent State Golden Flashes offensive lineman Brian Winters played left tackle in 2012, and played it well — making the All-MAC. But Winters also spent time at right tackle and right guard while at Kent State, and made All-MAC teams during season when he played those positions — a three-time member all told.
NFL Draft 2013: Brian Winters prospect profile
Kent State’s versatile four-year starter on the offensive line can play a handful of O-line positions in the pros, but where could he land?
Dave Reginek
But when the 2013 Senior Bowl came around, Winters spent considerable time playing and training at left guard, which has both opened Winters up to a possible position change at the next level and given teams another look at Winters, who played a tremendous amount of time in his collegiate career.
Starting every game in four seasons, 50 in all, has put considerable stress on Winters, who injured his shoulder in his sophomore year and saw the problem complicate the remainder of his career at Kent State.
Pros:
- Versatility: Having played all along the offensive line at Kent State, Winters can not only provide a stop-gap at any line position if needed, but also can fill any long-term need for an NFL team.
- Strength: A three-time letterer at his high school in wrestling, Winters proved himself against the best of the MAC during his 50 games played, and helped Kent State's offense rank among the best in the nation in 2012.
- Leader: Winters proved an effective leader for a Kent State team that nearly made a BCS bowl in 2012.
Cons:
- Poor hand placement: Many scouts are worried that Winters is unable to place his hands correctly when punching attacking rushers, who have been able to knock him off-balance in the past.
- Poor speed: Generally a five-plus second 40-yard rusher, Winters might not be able to keep up with some of the league's best pass rushers, especially around the corner if he is placed on the end of the line.
Quotable:
NFL.com's profile of Winters highlights his room to grow:
Effective combo blocker, as well, as he can seal the tackle and then negate a linebacker using his length and quickness. His frame has the room to grow, and his footwork is strong enough to redirect defenders away from his quarterback or running back if he gets in trouble.
CBS Sports compares Winters to a handful of pros:
COMPARES TO: Adam Snyder, OG, Arizona Cardinals -- Like Snyder, Winters’ value lies in his toughness, physicality, durability and potential versatility.
Possible fits:
- The New York Jets could be interested in Winters to help bolster their offensive line, which seemed porous at times with Mark Sanchez behind center in 2012. Gang Green Nation took a look at Winters earlier this year.
- The Denver Broncos could also be interested in Winters' services and Denver met with Winters at the Senior Bowl. Mile High Report took an in-depth look at Winters in February.
2013 NFL Combine performance:
Winters suffered a pectoral strain while doing the bench press at the combine, and registered nine reps before stopping. He did participate in Kent State’s pro day on Mar. 6, and registered a 4.7 second 40-yard dash, a 31.5-inch vertical leap, and a 107-inch broad jump. He did not attempt to lift.
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